Slots FAQ

On this page we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions on the subject of slot games. Below is a list of all the questions, and you can find the answers further down the page. We have also provided links to additional information where appropriate.

Yes, absolutely. The odds favor the house, as they do with any casino game, but with a bit of good fortune on your side you can definitely win some money. Many slot games offer large payouts relative to the amounts staked, so it’s perfectly possible to get lucky and land a big win even though most players do lose in the long run.

What is a payout rate?

The payout rate of a slot machine shows the percentage of all money staked that’s returned as winnings to players. For example, a machine with a payout rate of 98% will pay out approximately $98 in winnings for every $100 staked.

It’s important to note that these payout rates are based over many, many, spins. This means that a slot machine will pay out in accordance with its payout rate over time, but not necessarily during every session. You can easily lose more than $2 for every $100 staked on a slot with a 98% payout, and of course you could potentially stake $100 and win thousands.

Are slot machines truly random?

Yes, they are. Slot machines use what are known as random number generators (RNGs), which ensure that each spin is entirely random. These RNGs are basically computer programs that use complicated algorithms to produce numbers that are as close to truly random as possible. These numbers then determine which symbols will appear in the next spin.

Should I play slots online or at a live casino?

This is really entirely up to you. Playing slots can be a lot of fun regardless of where you play, and live casinos and online casinos both offer certain advantages. For example, in a live casino you can soak up the whole atmosphere that such venues have to offer. In many places you can take advantage of some free drinks.

On the other hand, playing online is much more convenient. There’s generally a better choice of different games, and you don’t have to worry about waiting for a seat at your favorite game. The online experience probably just about edges it in our opinion, but it really is a matter of personal preference.

How & where can I play slot games online?

To play slots for real money on the internet, you’ll need an account with an online casino. The vast majority of online casinos offer a great range of different slot games, and it’s pretty easy to join one and get started. There are a few things you need to think about though. You need to make sure you join a reputable online casino, and you should look out for any bonuses you might be entitled to as a new customer.

Does it matter how much I stake per spin?

Yes, it does. The more you stake, the more you stand to win. You also stand to lose more of course, but staking the maximum number of coins per spin can offer some advantages. The overall payout rate may be slightly better, and with some games you have to be playing the maximum if you want to qualify for certain bonus features. You may have to play the maximum to be eligible for most jackpots too.

Please note that you can usually choose the value of the coins you are using, especially online. This means that you still have full control over how much you want to spend per spin. Just bear in mind that it’s generally better to stake maximum coins of a lower value than it is to stake fewer coins of a higher value.

Does it matter how many pay-lines I play?

The more pay-lines you play, the more chances you have of spinning a winning combination. It does cost more to play with more active pay-lines, but it’s almost always worth it. Your overall return is likely to be higher if you pay with all pay-lines active, and it may be a requirement to qualify for bonus features or jackpots.

Should I use the auto-play feature?

This is up to you, because there’s no particular benefit either way. It takes less effort to play when using the auto-play feature, but some players would argue that it takes some of the fun out of playing. Clicking or pressing a button, or pulling a lever, is hardly strenuous anyway!

You might have heard that using the auto-play feature can affect your chances of winning one way or another. This is complete nonsense, and is best ignored. If you prefer to use the auto-play feature, then go ahead. If you prefer to play manually, then that’s what you should do. It won’t affect your chances of winning either way.

What is a wild symbol?

A lot of slot games feature a wild symbol, which can substitute for other symbols to create winning combinations. The actual symbol used for the wild will vary from one game to the next. Combinations made using a wild symbol are often multiplied too, so it’s always good to see a few of these spin in.

What is a scatter symbol?

Many slots have scatter symbols too. These work slightly differently to standard symbols, in that they don’t have to appear consecutively to award a win. Typically, three or more of them anywhere in view will result in a win of some kind. The more of them there are, the better the win. They can award cash wins, unlock some form of bonus games, or both.

What is a bonus game/feature?

A large number of modern slots include some kind of bonus game or feature. Such features can be awarded completely randomly, or based on certain symbols appearing. They generally result in an alternative game screen being shown, with a variety of ways to win. Prizes awarded in bonus features can be cash, free spins, or even jackpots.

Is there a system for winning at slot games?

No, there isn’t. Slot games are completely random, and there’s no skill involved in playing them. There’s nothing you can do to put the odds in your favor, and there’s no system or strategy you can use that will ensure you win. You basically just have to hope that you get lucky.

There are, however, a few things you can do that will ensure you get the best value for your money, and maybe even improve your overall chances of making a profit from slots. For example, you can make sure you take advantage of the bonuses and rewards available at online casinos.

What is a progressive jackpot?

There are many slot games that offer progressive jackpots. These jackpots aren’t a fixed amount, but rather they grow over time. Every time the game is played, the progressive jackpot will increase by a certain amount. The longer the jackpot is not won, the larger it gets. Some progressive jackpots are linked across different games and different casinos, and these can grow to be huge sums of money.

What are slots tournaments?

In slots tournaments you pay a fixed sum of money to enter, and then get a certain amount of time or credit to play slots. The entrants that win the most amount of money, or make their money last the longest, will win prizes. These prizes typically take the form of cash, but can also be free credits to play with.